Owen (the fool with wit) is a big time Canadian hiker.
His favourite Canuck hike is little known Donjek Glacier in Kluane National Park.
On a 2005 adventure during high season, Owen was told there were only 10 people in Kluane’s 22000 square kilometers!
… No signage. No one around but bears, wolves and mountains.
… creek crossings in frigid conditions. Pure good times.
Fantastic Donjek photos and video clips are posted on his unique website: eyecsed.com
eyecsed.com
After my own Tombstone hike in the Yukon this past summer, the Donjek Route appeals. It’s next on my list.
The Donjek is almost a loop if you access the trail off the Alaska Highway at Duke River and finish 11km (7mi.) south of where you started at Copper Joe Creek.
I’ll check these details with Owen:
The 96-kilometre (60-mi.) advanced wilderness trek requires map and compass abilities and good trail-finding skills. It takes you across rolling open meadows, up and down steep ridges and through deep gullies before arriving at the sprawling glacier mass.
Distance:100 km (approx.)
Time:8 -10 days
Maximum Elevation: (7100′) …
Note: A route is not a trail. Routes are not marked with signs or maintained in any manner. The route described here is only a suggestion that may help guide you on your trip. It describes only one of many options for hiking to the Donjek Glacier. …
Overview:
One of the most popular hikes for wilderness enthusiasts is the Donjek Route. Rising over the vast alpine of the Burwash Uplands and then descending to the toe of the Donjek Glacier, this hike typifies “pristine mountain wilderness“.
… The route follows creek and river drainage for the most part with some sections along an old road, horse and wildlife trails, and some sections, without any obvious trail at all. Route finding abilities and solid wilderness experience is essential …
Parks Canada – Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada – Activities – Hiking – Summary of Trails and Routes – Donjek Route
If you need more inspiration, Patrick Verheyen also posted photos of his 2003 hike in the region: A walk in Kluane National Park – PBase
Ruth with her pack – larger original
UPDATE: Owen recommends Kluane National Park Hiking Guide by Vivien Lougheed. Check the COMMENTS on this post for more of Owen’s advice.
On Owen’s recommendation, we’ve added Donjek Glacier to our list of best hikes in North America.
In October of 1999 best friends Alex Lowe and Conrad Anker were overcome by an avalanche in the Tibetan Himalaya. Conrad barely survived the avalanche and soon began to suffer form Survivor’s Guilt. In the months following the tragedy, Conrad and Alex’s widow, Jennifer tried to comfort each other and unexpectedly found love. Now their bond is tested as Alex’s three boys try to accept Conrad as a father.
Rick Deutsch is the author of 
besthike.com 